A Pagan Worldview

[Chad]

It is more general than Brythonic strands of Paganism. Of course, with any broad categorisation, there will always be exceptions to any rule, when describing the outlook of a large group of people, with many diverse practices. I raise the following questions:

From the time you became a Pagan (whatever, if any different form to where you are now), has becoming such changed your worldview in any significant way? Be it philosophical, political, or even as simple as how you view and interact with other people.

If it indeed has changed your viewpoint, has this change ever put you in conflict with societal norms, and the preceptions that those who follow said norms?

I'm curious because, not in a face to face sense really knowing any other Pagans (I know of three Wiccans, I believe), especially those following a path directed at a set group of gods, and the cultures they come from (Celtic, Germanic, Greek, Roman, Hindu, Egyptian, among others), I am always curious to hear about what being Pagan means to them and how it has affected their life and relationship with the world around them.

Relevant link here. Not meant as an "us vs. them". Just a general compare and contrast. I am aware there are always exceptions. www.patheos.com/blogs/pointedlypagan/2013/04/the-transforming-power-of-pagan-religion-in-a-christian-world/

[redraven]

Jun 22, 2013 17:38:49 GMT -1 Chad said:

From the time you became a Pagan (whatever, if any different form to where you are now), has becoming such changed your worldview in any significant way?

It has confirmed my initial unease and then subsequent distaste with the central doctrates of most of the major religions who put human activity above and seperate from, the rest of the natural world (as is nicely phrased in that link you provided).

Jun 22, 2013 17:38:49 GMT -1 Chad said:

Be it philosophical, political, or even as simple as how you view and interact with other people.

I haven't changed the way I interact with other people. My job involves working with the general public so I have to maintain consistancy, however, my changed perspective makes for some interesting "people studying" sometimes.

Jun 22, 2013 17:38:49 GMT -1 Chad said:

If it indeed has changed your viewpoint, has this change ever put you in conflict with societal norms, and the preceptions that those who follow said norms?

No, because I don't provoke a situation that would result in a conflict. I don't presume to try to evangelize upon others because I have no interest in either acting for or as an intermediary for their religious viewpoints.

[Chad]

I don't have a problem with anyone's religious views. It's some folks blaitant disregard for the environment that I do not like. It's much more common on this side of the pond. I usually don't bring it up to people, except when it's just ridiculous. Such as at my work, a guy was wiping his hands with a cloth shop towel, and then just tossed it in the grass! I know it doesn't sound like much, but who does that? Even people who litter usually just toss drink containers and cigarette butts. I know it wasn't the worst thing one can do, but it was just ridiculous, and I had to say something. It wasn't received well.

[potia]

Jun 22, 2013 17:38:49 GMT -1 Chad said:

From the time you became a Pagan (whatever, if any different form to where you are now), has becoming such changed your worldview in any significant way?

Not so much when I became Pagan but yes as a gradual development since towards a more animist and polytheistic view. When I was much younger I was more monotheistic in outlook and that affects how you look at the world ad your place within it.

Jun 22, 2013 17:38:49 GMT -1 Chad said:

If it indeed has changed your viewpoint, has this change ever put you in conflict with societal norms, and the preceptions that those who follow said norms?

Given that even in my family I have religious views ranging from Catholic to Pagan to evangelical Christian then yes it has put me in conflict sometimes. I have always been and remain open about my beliefs. I don't go spouting it to all and sundry but if the topic comes up I am perfectly open about my beliefs so that has led to a few tense moments. As respect and tolerance are also things I hold dear those tense moments are usually overcome if the person I am talking with is willing to listen to my view as I will theirs and agree to disagree in a respectful manner.

[Chad]

Well put, Potia. I feel the same way. My family is mostly Christian as well. The difference in their beliefs and mine, never really bothered me (as I wasn't new to Paganism beforehand). Some of them use their beliefs to back up politcal views that I am very hostile to. But, I am not hostile to their religious beliefs.